Cathy Harris, Charlotte's mother, is an avid runner just like her daughter. Cathy Harris, Charlotte's mother, is an avid runner just like her daughter.

Cathy Harris, Charlotte's mother, is an avid runner just like her daughter. Cathy Harris, Charlotte's mother, is an avid runner just like her daughter.

Photo: N. Cole Photography

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Charlotte Harris, center, race coordinator for the Turkey Dash, sponsored by the Katy Family YMCA and The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch, encourages participants.Charlotte Harris, center, race coordinator for the Turkey Dash, sponsored by the Katy Family YMCA and The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch, encourages participants. less

Charlotte Harris, center, race coordinator for the Turkey Dash, sponsored by the Katy Family YMCA and The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch, encourages participants.Charlotte Harris, center, race coordinator for the ... more

Photo: N. Cole Photography

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Turkey Dash grows in size, popularity in Katy

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The foundation of the Katy Family YMCA Turkey Dash hasn't changed since it began 12 years ago, but the extra features added through the years have made the annual event even more popular.

The number of participants increased from 2,006 in 2008 to 5,844 in 2013. That increase began when Charlotte Harris, who's a numbers cruncher as well as brand expert at Reliant NRG, became the race coordinator.

The Nov. 27 Turkey Dash features a 10K, which was added two years ago, and a 5K event as well as a 1-mile fun run for kids and a 1-mile walk/run for families.

"She has moved the needle from the Turkey Dash being just another fun run to a well-respected, legitimate 'runner's race' for those who want that level of competition, while ensuring the casual, fun factor of the day is kept intact," said Beth Strand, community liaison, Katy Family YMCA. "Improving the technology used, including registration software and timing systems have been the brainchild of Charlotte. She never settles for status-quo and is always thinking of new ideas that can be implemented as the years go by to keep the event fresh and entertaining for the thousands of families who make the Turkey Dash a Thanksgiving tradition."

Harris, who turned 43 this month, has worked for Reliant NRG since 2002 and started running two years before that.

"Charlotte is very driven," said Tom Hughes, NRG director of marketing, who worked with Harris for 4½ years. "She is very passionate about the things she works on. Give her a project, let her run with it, and it will get done and get done very well."

Under Harris, the energy company went from a longtime Reliant logo to a new Reliant brand in 2011. "I made sure it all happened," said Harris. When the stadium and other Reliant properties became rebranded as NRG, Harris had to do it all over again. "It was a little bit easier this time around," she said.

She earned her undergraduate degree in business, accounting and finance from the University of Southern Mississippi and her first jobs were in those areas. A co-worker's request to have her help with the marketing/sponsorship team opened new doors.

Her analytical and detail-oriented personality combined with competitiveness and creativity, Hughes said, led to the large and significant rebranding project getting done on time and under budget.

Harris said that she's transferred the knowledge she learned from how to market a company to the Turkey Dash.

Said Harris, "We're spreading the word on who we are, what we do and why employees are proud to work here (at NRG). It's the same thing we're doing for the race."

Competitiveness and camaraderie are two reasons that drew Harris to running and racing. When she was running marathons, she shaved more than an hour off her time, finishing under four hours in her last outing in San Antonio.

Running also allows Harris to get to know people and make friends.

"We do breakfast after runs or go to dinner to celebrate after a race," she explained. Note the emphasis on food. Harris did. "Going to races, people are all about the food afterward," she said.

That led Harris to do more marketing and get more vendors at the Turkey Dash. People sampling vendors at the event may decide they want to visit the restaurant later, she said.

"A silent auction adds to the sort of the flavor of the race," said Harris, adding that many items are donated.

The silent auction during packet-pick-up days adds different elements that appeal to runners and families, said Harris. Packet pick up days are Nov. 22-27 at the Katy Family YMCA, 22807 Westheimer Parkway. Hours differ by day.

The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch partners with the YMCA on the holiday event, which last year raised more than $180,000 for YMCA programs.

"Being an experienced racer, Char has brought innovation she has experienced in different venues to our event," said Strand, who Harris calls her "partner in crime" because they direct the race together.

It all started in 2008 when race director Jack McClintic, who knew Harris through a training program for runners, asked if she could help out.

"I tried to grow the race and make it a great family event and tradition," Harris said.

Adding the 10K for the 10th anniversary brought in a different group of runners, those training for the Houston half-marathon in January, she said. This year 10K participants will receive technical shirts. A second new feature this year is a costume contest.

"The day I participate in the race (Turkey Dash) is the day we have it perfected," Harris said. "I always wanted to participate but I'm too busy to make sure it's flowing smoothly and no mishaps are going on."

Work and volunteering don't leave Harris a lot of time to train during the week and Harris now focuses more on 10Ks and shorter distances to become faster and gain speed.

The Turkey Dash also doesn't leave her time to prepare a Thanksgiving dinner. Luckily her family lives nearby and they get together for the holiday. Her mom, Cathy, is a runner and comes to the event as does her sister, Cindee Powers, and her three kids. Harris' dad Gene Harris cheers everyone on.

Since 2008, the event has experienced a 30 percent growth every year, and Harris said there is no limit yet on how many people can participate.

Harris is quick to point out that a cast of hundreds helps make the Turkey Dash the success that it is. "We have more than 400 volunteers. A lot of YMCA staff help out on race day. There's no way we could put on the race without those folks."

A memorable moment occurred for Harris in 2009 when she started from the very beginning and watched the race come to fruition.

"I saw people cross the finish line. Wow, I can't believe we pulled this off. I see all the families, I see the kids running in the race. People wearing the same shirts and putting on costumes. Wow, I can't believe I'm actually part of this and see all the people who came out to be part of this event."

Looking at all the happy faces and people running their first 5Ks wearing expressions that said "Look I did this. I can't believe I ran a 5K" made her happy, too.

"The Turkey Dash would look very different today if it weren't for Char's dedication to the event," Strand said.